How to Wave HIPAA Rights

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 requires healthcare providers to de-identify patient files -- which includes the removal of unique identifying numbers, characteristics and codes -- as well as provide system-wide protection from unauthorized persons viewing patient files inappropriately. This protection extends to medical staff and personnel not authorized to view specific medical files and charts.

• 1

  Provide written notification to your medical care provider granting authorized medical staff permission to distribute your personal health information.

• 2

  List the full name of each person to whom you wish to grant access to your personal health information. Examples include a spouse, parent, adult child, caretaker or personal representative, such as a person with power of attorney.

• 3

  Identify the preferred delivery option, such as disclosure by phone, and state a reason for the authorization such as, "The person assists me with medical needs."

• 4

  Waive your federal privacy protection rights and state that you wish to grant authorization until a specified date. Acknowledge that your statements are true and cannot result in the refusal of medical care or benefits for refusal to sign a new HIPPA authorization at the time of a medical service.

• 5

  Provide your medical care provider with a copy of your signed and dated letter for your records. Retain a copy for yourself and each person named as an authorized person in the letter.